(From left, front row) Ray Cheever, a student at Vance Senior High School, and Meredith Ellington, a Kerr-Vance Academy student hold the certificates they earned for first place and first runner-up, respectively, in the 2012-2013 Veterans of Foreign Wars “Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy” contest. (From left, back row) Tyrone Tart, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2417; Mike Ayscue, quartermaster; and Harry Bays, Voice of Democracy chairman for Veterans of Foreign Wars District 6 were in attendance for the event.

Every year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors a “Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy” contest each year. The theme for this school year was: “Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?”

All entries begin at the post level. Winners at the post level will compete on a district level, then a state level, then at the national competition. All winners are awarded scholarships.

Ray Cheever of Henderson, a student at Vance Senior High School placed first in the local post level for the Voice of Democracy contest and second in the district level. Meredith Ellington, also of Henderson, enrolled at Kerr-Vance Academy, was the first runner up at the post level.

The Voice of Democracy is the VFW’s Premier Scholarship Program. For more information about contest, search vfw.org or contact the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post at (252) 492-0910.